Following the recent release of 'Don't Do Well Alone', her incredible debut EP via Chess Club Records, Siobhán Winifred brought her tour to Bristol's Exchange amidst a whirlwind year that's seen her supporting the likes of Stevie Nicks at her BST Hyde Park show in July and play opening slots w/ Rachel Chinouriri, Nieve Ella & The Academic.

What's remarkable is that this is her very first headline tour. Not that anyone would have suspected with the musicianship on display as the band wasted no time before they launched in to the euphoric "Stay For Good".

As her voice cut through the air with a distinct warmth, Winifred’s stage presence is undeniable. From the moment she walked on stage, the audience was captivated, not just by her physical presence but by the emotional depth she poured into every note. Through ethereal qualities, effortlessly shifting between soaring high notes and intimate, breathy whispers she demonstrated exceptional control, especially during quieter, more delicate moments where each subtle inflection carried weight and meaning. Her vocal range is truly impressive, and it was on full display in ballads like "This House" where she navigated complex runs with ease.

Forming a well-curated blend of her original songs and a few tasteful covers, each selected to highlight a different aspect of her artistry, from Charlie xcx's "Apple" to a blisteringly powerful cover of "Pretty Things" by Rufus Wainwright, the crowd got a true sense of her prowess. Both at opposite ends of the musical spectrum, Winifred took it in her stride adding her own unique spin to both. 

Between songs, she shared anecdotes about her writing process and personal experiences, adding a layer of vulnerability to her performance talking opening about anxiety and loneliness, something that's sadly so relatable in today's world. The rawness and sincerity in how she spoke about her songs made the audience truly feel like they were part of a shared journey, however, humour and charm brought levity creating a balanced atmosphere between the emotional depth of her music and the lighter moments in between.

Through brutal honesty there's no denying her tracks pack a powerful punch, and live they're only intensified. From "Keep Sweet's" gripping vocal refrains in the track's slow burning crescendo, to the EP's title track "Don't Do Well Alone", which was brought to life in accelerated detail, each track was built up meticulously. 

Elsewhere, channelling real, lived experiences through every song, fans got to experience the unreleased single "Forever" which Siobhán says was written after reading her Grandparents diary and discovering that all the memorable dates had been noted with "love you forever". A touching and emotive introduction as the track's subdued vocals and three way harmonies steadily build towards its explosive finale. 

With no encore, Siobhán exclaiming she would only be too clumsy to run back on stage, the night concluded with the ever brilliant "Killers", a track that propelled her to the forefront with its infectious vocals and swelling instrumentation, the crowd gave the biggest cheer of the night. 

There’s a certain intimacy and authenticity in her shows that make them feel deeply personal, almost like you’re witnessing something rare and fleeting. And for fans tonight, they got to be a part of a truly intimate affair. With further support slots with Blossoms, The Snuts and The Royston Club, It's only a matter of time before Siobhán Winifred is selling out much larger venues herself.

i: https://www.instagram.com/siobhanwinifred